‘Outdoor Wonder’ melon, Marshalls’ latest must-grow exclusive, which claims to make melon cultivation as easily as growing courgettes, is just one of the new additions in the seed company’s 2009 catalogue.

Marshalls, which supplies amateur growers, says that its 2009 version of its award-winning catalogue looks set to be the kitchen garden specialists best ever.

Marshalls scooped Best Stand at Gardeners’ World Live in June and a RHS Bronze Medal for its first ever display at Royal Hampton Court this year. Earlier in 2008, the kitchen garden specialist won Garden Catalogue of the Year for its innovative catalogue.

The company’s Jo Griffiths said: “Our 2009 catalogue contains even more information to help and encourage more gardeners to grow mouth-watering vegetables and fruit. To make it an even more essential gardening guide, we have included planting and harvesting calendars, as well as growing and cooking tips.”

New varieties featured include two succulent Italian tomatoes - Battito, with its aromatic taste and meaty flesh, and plum type Lucciola.

With the emphasis on taste and sure-to-grow varieties, other new introductions are Oxhorn peppers, Diablo and Ringo, and two unusual round peppers, Tolpepo Rosso and Giallo, which have the appearance of large beef tomatoes.

The crunchy, compact cabbage Candisa will also feature. The variety was trialled last year by Marshalls’ customers, whose reports were so good that it has taken pride of place in the summer cabbage section.

Plantsman and Director Martin Harvey said: “We are going from strength to strength here at Marshalls. As well as introducing new and exclusive varieties, our old favourites remain - typically our best-selling Marshmello and new Amelia strawberries. Both have contributed to our award-winning success at the big summer shows this year.”

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